Why you should never throw aluminum cans in the ocean

Discussions around marine pollution have evolved rapidly in recent years, yet one persistent myth remains: that tossing an aluminum can into the sea is harmless — especially if it’s torn in two. This argument often surfaces in competitive yachting circles, but it’s time to set the record straight.

Whether you’re cruising, racing, or just enjoying the water, throwing aluminum cans in the ocean is illegal, environmentally damaging, and entirely avoidable.

What’s really in an aluminum can?

Aluminum cans may seem simple, but they’re far from pure metal. Since the 1930s, beverage cans have been lined with plastic to prevent corrosion from acidic drinks like beer and soda. This inner layer — originally called “keglined” — is made from materials like epoxy resins or polymers.

Modern cans also feature colorful branding made with toxic inks and an outer plastic coating. In other words, every aluminum can you toss overboard introduces plastic into the marine environment.

And under MARPOL Annex V, dumping plastics at sea is strictly prohibited — globally.

Racing rules and environmental accountability

Competitive sailors take note: under World Sailing’s Racing Rules of Sailing – Rule 55, intentionally throwing any trash into the water is a protestable offense. That includes aluminum cans, cigarette butts, and food wrappers.

A protest from a rival boat could cost you a podium finish — or disqualify your entire team.

Do cans degrade in the ocean?

While aluminum degrades faster in saltwater than in landfill, it still takes up to 200 years to fully break down in the ocean. The plastic liner, however, never disappears — it simply breaks down into harmful microplastics that remain in marine ecosystems for generations.

Instead of becoming pollution, aluminum cans can (and should) be 100% recycled. Recycling aluminum uses just 5% of the energy required to produce new metal, making it one of the most sustainable materials when disposed of properly.

The real impact on marine life

Ocean Crusaders was founded in 2010 after a dead sea turtle was found in the Whitsunday Islands. A dissection revealed a stomach full of marine debris — including a half-digested Coca-Cola can, cigarette butts, and a plastic bottle cap.

Any ocean debris, no matter how “harmless” it may seem, poses a serious threat to marine wildlife.

Final word: recycle, don’t pollute

There’s no excuse in today’s yachting world for outdated habits. Whether you’re racing offshore or anchored in a remote bay, aluminum belongs in recycling bins — not the ocean.

If you’re serious about protecting the waters you love, set the example onboard: educate your crew, follow racing rules, and respect international marine pollution laws.